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Norwegian Bella: NCL’s New Ship Debuts in Europe in 2028

Norwegian Cruise Line has opened bookings for Norwegian Bella, the final ship in its Prima Class, which will debut in May 2028 with seven-night Mediterranean cruises sailing round trip from Barcelona.

At approximately 170,000 gross tons and 1,129 feet long, Bella will accommodate 3,921 guests at double occupancy, joining Norwegian Aura as the largest ships in NCL’s fleet. Both vessels are under construction at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard.

Bella’s inaugural season will feature destinations including Rome, Florence and Salerno in Italy; Marseille, France; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, with port calls varying by sailing.

The ship will share many features with Norwegian Aura, scheduled for delivery in May 2027, bringing NCL’s newest onboard experiences to Europe while Aura sails in the Caribbean.

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Norwegian Bella
Norwegian Bella

Ocean Heights: Four Decks of Outdoor Activities

One of Bella’s signature attractions will be Ocean Heights, a multilevel outdoor activity complex spanning decks 18 through 21. The space will transition from daytime recreation to an evening gathering area with immersive lighting and LED projections.

Highlights include:

  • Eclipse Racers: Side-by-side racing waterslides.
  • Bella Free Fall: A free-fall waterslide.
  • The Wave: A pendulum-style raft slide accommodating up to four riders.
  • The Drop: The Prima Class dry slide descending 10 decks.
  • Bella Ropes Course: An elevated outdoor challenge course.
  • Moon Climber: A multilevel, harness-free climbing attraction.

The complex will also include carnival-inspired games at Bella Midway and a nine-hole miniature golf course.

A Larger Pool Deck and Expanded Ocean Boulevard

Bella’s main pool deck will be more than 15% larger than those aboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, with additional seating, an infinity hot tub and a large LED entertainment screen.

The ship’s Ocean Boulevard, the wraparound promenade on deck eight, will also offer more seating than Aqua and Luna. Its Infinity Beach area will feature infinity pools, hot tubs, daybeds and a full-service outdoor bar.

Dedicated family spaces along the promenade will include Little Explorers’ Cay for children ages two to six, Adventure Alley for ages six to 10 and Surf’s Bay, a teen hangout.

Norwegian Aura and Norwegian Bella - Pool Deck - Rendering
Norwegian Aura and Norwegian Bella – Pool Deck – Rendering

Water Play for Families and an Adults-Only Retreat

Younger passengers will have a redesigned Kids’ Aqua Park with a splash pad and interactive water features. Nearby, The Party Slide will offer a wide, shallow slide for families and friends, while Infinity Loop will feature a figure-eight layout.

Horizon Park, located on deck 19, will provide outdoor lounging and lawn games.

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For adults, Vibe Beach Club will offer infinity hot tubs, an oceanfront bar, sun loungers, daybeds and expanded relaxation areas.

Nearly 2,000 Staterooms, Including 159 Haven Suites

Norwegian Bella will offer nearly 2,000 staterooms, ranging from studios and inside cabins to balcony accommodations and suites.

The ship’s premium Haven complex will contain 159 suites, located aft within a private, keycard-access area designed by Piero Lissoni.

Haven amenities will include a private restaurant, bar and lounge; private elevators; and a sundeck with an infinity pool, two hot tubs, an outdoor sauna and a cold room. Separate family-friendly and adults-only areas are also planned.

Guests staying in The Haven will receive butler and concierge service, along with priority embarkation, disembarkation and reservations.

New Hull Artwork and Bookings Now Open

Australian contemporary artist George Rose will design Bella’s hull artwork, bringing her signature vibrant colors and botanical forms to the ship’s exterior.

Norwegian Bella’s inaugural Mediterranean season is now open for booking, with departures beginning in May 2028. Additional details about dining, entertainment and other onboard offerings were not included in this announcement.

Elena Marino
Elena Marino is a copywriter with more than 20 years of experience who now calls Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, home. She covers cruise news, new ships, destinations, and updates from all the major cruise lines.
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